A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan on Monday, prompting widespread destruction and fears of mass casualties. The quake, which lasted almost 20 seconds, was so intense that it was felt in the capital city of Kabul as well as other provinces across the country.
According to reports from local authorities and health officials, at least 150 people have been injured and seven fatalities have been confirmed, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue. The epicenter of the earthquake was in the Nakhchir district of Samangan province, where massive landslides and destruction have left many without access to basic necessities.
The severity of the quake was deemed "code orange" by the US Geological Survey, indicating significant casualties and extensive economic losses are likely, requiring a national-level response. The agency reported that the earthquake had a depth of 28 kilometers and triggered widespread damage on key transport routes, including the Samangan-Balkh highway, which was blocked by massive rocks and trapping cars and passengers.
Eyewitnesses described the quake as "devastating" and shared videos showing people digging with shovels to rescue survivors. In Balkh province, officials confirmed four fatalities and reported significant financial losses, while others in Shulgarah district suffered injuries and property damage.
The latest earthquake is the latest in a series of devastating quakes to hit Afghanistan in recent months. Last August, an earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, killing over 2,000 people and leaving many more without access to basic necessities. The quake on Monday has raised fears that Afghanistan's fragile infrastructure may not be able to withstand further shocks.
Rescue efforts are underway, but officials warn that the situation remains dire and urgent attention is needed to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
According to reports from local authorities and health officials, at least 150 people have been injured and seven fatalities have been confirmed, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue. The epicenter of the earthquake was in the Nakhchir district of Samangan province, where massive landslides and destruction have left many without access to basic necessities.
The severity of the quake was deemed "code orange" by the US Geological Survey, indicating significant casualties and extensive economic losses are likely, requiring a national-level response. The agency reported that the earthquake had a depth of 28 kilometers and triggered widespread damage on key transport routes, including the Samangan-Balkh highway, which was blocked by massive rocks and trapping cars and passengers.
Eyewitnesses described the quake as "devastating" and shared videos showing people digging with shovels to rescue survivors. In Balkh province, officials confirmed four fatalities and reported significant financial losses, while others in Shulgarah district suffered injuries and property damage.
The latest earthquake is the latest in a series of devastating quakes to hit Afghanistan in recent months. Last August, an earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, killing over 2,000 people and leaving many more without access to basic necessities. The quake on Monday has raised fears that Afghanistan's fragile infrastructure may not be able to withstand further shocks.
Rescue efforts are underway, but officials warn that the situation remains dire and urgent attention is needed to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
. A 6.3-magnitude quake in northern Afghanistan is crazy. 150 people injured and 7 dead? That's insane. I need to see some stats on how many buildings got damaged, what kind of infrastructure collapse happened. How much will it cost to rebuild? The pics are devastating, people digging with shovels... that's just heartbreaking 
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it seems like they're constantly getting hit with natural disasters & it's taking a toll on their infrastructure 
what's going on with the goverment over there tho? can't they do more to prepare for these emergencies? 
- one day it's 2k dead, next 150 injured... can't a country just get some peace? 
their lives are just getting worse and worse and it's like there's no end to the suffering they're going through 
. I'm imagining what my own family would do in that situation and it's giving me major anxiety attacks 
. I just wish there was more we could be doing as a global community to support them 
. I mean, 150+ people injured and 7 fatalities is just heartbreaking...what even is the point of having all those resources if we're not using them to help ppl in need? 
. the fact that people are digging for survivors with shovels is heartbreaking 
. we need to see some serious aid and support from the international community ASAP 
. And, you know, people are so resilient! They're already working tirelessly to rescue survivors and provide aid. That gives me hope for the future 
. Also, the fact that there's such a strong response from countries worldwide means that maybe Afghanistan can rebuild stronger than ever 
. We should also remember the millions who survived those devastating August earthquake... their strength is truly inspiring 
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150 people injured and 7 fatalities already? It's like, what can we do to help? The videos of people digging with shovels to rescue survivors are literally breaking my heart 
it's crazy that it was felt all the way in kabul, that's how powerful it must have been. my heart goes out to everyone who lost loved ones or homes. 
